We love the Internet. It connects us. It empowers us to share our stories. It allows us to meet people, make connections, get information we need, and change the world. It’s because of the Internet that we are able to write this blog and help people to be better Pet-Parents.
However, like most things in life, there are disadvantages of the Internet as well. The ease of content creation in the age of the Internet means that we have to be very selective in what sources we will accept as credible, particularly in the domain of science. Anyone can make a claim and generate unreliable evidence to back it without the rigorous testing that the scientific community demands.
Many pet owners are accustomed to going to the Internet with their questions as well. This can sometimes be helpful. We provide content on topics such as holiday safety tips, microchipping, and dentistry, to name a few. However, even the best online content cannot compare to having a vet provide a physical examination or testing for your pet. Veterinarians have not only their veterinary degree to prove they have had the education they need to be qualified to diagnose your pet’s illness, but also the years of experience seeing pet after pet, providing key hands-on experience that can never be learned from a book or website.
A google search may help you come up with questions about your pet’s health, but ultimately, it should be a veterinarian who has examined your pet who is providing the answers.
In the event of an emergency, call a veterinarian immediately. When is it an emergency? Do you see:
- Difficulty breathing
- Restlessness
- Bloat
- Seizures
- Collapse or profound weakness
- Major trauma: After an incident occurs where you have reason to suspect hemorrhaging
- Dog fight
- Repeated vomiting or diarrhea
- Struggling to urinate
- Not eating or drinking
- Coughing
- Loss of use of rear legs
- Signs of severe pain: restlessness, hiding, vocalizing, panting, limping
- Known exposure to toxins
Pet Poison
If you know or suspect that your pet has been exposed to toxic chemicals, it’s a good idea to contact the experts at the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Write down their number, keep it on your fridge, and save it to your phone. This is a number you always want immediately available to yourself or others who may be responsible for your pet’s care. This is an excerpt from their website:
ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Phone Number: (888) 426-4435
The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) is your best resource for any animal poison-related emergency, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. If you think your pet may have ingested a potentially poisonous substance, call (888) 426-4435. A $65 consultation fee may be applied to your credit card.
Our Poison Control experts have also provided valuable information below to help parents recognize and protect their pets from poisonous substances including plants, human foods, human medications and more.
If your gut is telling you something is wrong with your pet, trust your gut! Call your veterinarian. Nothing compares to a veterinarian’s examination from the tip of your pet’s nose to the end of their tail. Schedule your appointment today!
